Hunter&#39;s utility device



V. CAFRA Jul 25, 1967 HUNTER S UTILITY DEVICE 6 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Oct. 5, 1964 Vincnf Cafra INVENTOR.

July 25, 19,67

V. CAFRA HUNTER S UTILITY DEVICE Filed Oct. 5, 1964 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 July 25, 1967 v. CAFRA 3,332,698

HUNTER'S UTILITY DEVICE Filed Oct. 1964 5 Sheets$heet 5 Vin cent Ca fra IN VEN TOR United States Patent 3,332,698 HUNTERS UTILITY DEVICE Vincent Cafra, Brooklyn, N.Y., assignor of forty-nine percent to Salvatore Rainone, Ozone Park, N.Y. Filed Oct. 5, 1964, Ser. No. 401,465 9 Claims. (Cl. 280-36) The present invention rel-ates to a collapsible and convertible device which is uniquely adapted for use both as a tree mounted seat and a game carrying hand truck.

Accordingly, it is a primary object of the instant invention to provide a hunters utility device which can be selectively used as either a tree supported seat, or a game transporting means as the circumstances might be.

In conjunction with the above object, it is also an object of the instant invention to provide a device wherein the conversion to one form from the other can be effected both quickly and simply.

Likewise, it is a highly significant object of the instant invention to provide a convertible utility device which can be completely collapsed so as to allow the device, when not in use, to be easily carried.

Furthermore, it is an object of the instant invention to provide a utility device which, in either of its erected forms, provides a highly rigid support.

of components.

Basically, the device of the instant invention includes an enlarged flat platform consisting of a pair of hingedly interconnected sections capable of being orientated either coplanar with each other or in overlying or overlapping relationship. One of the sections includes a pair of spaced mounting units which are also hingedly mounted for movement between a first position overlying the section and a second position projecting perpendicularly therefrom. In their projecting position, the mounting members are usable either as a stabilizing support engageable with a tree trunk and providing, in conjunction with a tree encircling member, a support for a tree seat, or as a mounting means for a pair of wheels when utilizing the device as a game carrying means. Further, the utility device includes a pivotally mounted bar which prevents opening movement of the platform sections relative to each other beyond the coplanar position, and an elongated collapsible and removable handle. In addition, the various elements of the device are mounted so as to, in both erected forms, interlock and abut with each other so as to provide a highly stable construction.

These together with other objects and advantages which will become subsequently apparent reside in the details of construction and operation as more fully hereinafter described and claimed, reference being had to the accompanying drawings forming a part hereof, wherein like numerals refer to like parts throughout, and in which:

embodiment of FIGURE 1 with the handle removed;

FIGURE 3 is an end elevational view of the hand truck as illustrated in FIGURE 1;

FIGURE 4 is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken substantially on a plane passing along line 44 in FIG- URE 3;

FIGURE 5 is a transverse cross-sectional view taken substantially in a plane passing along line 5-5 in FIG- URE 4;

FIGURE 6 is a view of a portion of the device in its collapsed position;

FIGURE 7 is a perspective view of thedevice assembled so as to form a tree seat;

FIGURE 8 is a cross-sectional view taken substantially on a plane passing along line 8-8 in FIGURE 7; and

FIGURE 9 is a view illustrating the game carrying form in use.

Referring now more specifically to the drawings, the tree seat erected form of the device is generally referred to by reference numeral 10 while the hand truck or game carrying assemblage is generally referred to by reference numeral 12.

Basically, the device includes a pair of flat sections 14 and 16 pivotally interconnected along adjacent edges by an elongated piano hinge 18 for movement between a first position wherein the sections 14 and 16 are substantially coplanar so as to form a flat platform 20 and a second position wherein the substantially equal side sections 14 and 16 are overlapped or overlie each other. The sections 14 and 16, in their folded position, include outer surfaces 22 and 24 which form, upon a coplanar orientation of the sections 14 and 16, the bottom faces.

Hingedly mounted, by a pair of elongated hinges 26, on the outer surface 22 of the section 14 are a pair of mounting units 28 movablebetween a first collapsed oppositely extending position overlying the outer surface 22 and a second position wherein the mounting units 28 project laterally from the surface 22 in parallel spaced relation to each other. Each of the mounting units 28 includes a first elongated panel 30 fixed to and paralleling the free leaf of the hinge 26, a pair of coplanar panels 32 and 34 welded to the panel 30 andv projecting laterally therefrom, the panel 34 extending beyond the panel 32, and a smaller panel 36 welded to the outer face of the panel 32 and projecting therefrom beyond the free edge38 of the section 14, the projecting portion of the panel 36 including a beveled outer edge. With particular reference to FIGURE 5, it will be noted that the inner edges of the panels 32 and 34 terminate short of the inner edge of the corresponding mounting panel 30 so as to provide, in efiect, stepped portions or recesses which receive the opposite ends of a plate 40 welded to the outer surface or bottom face 22. Suificient clearance will, of course, be provided so as to allow for an outward pivotal movement of the two mounting units 28 with the plate 40 being specifically provided so as to reinforce the section 14 and stabilize the units 28 in their laterally projected position.

The mounting units 28 are locked in their parallel laterally projecting position by an elongated headed bolt 42 projecting through a pair of aligned apertures or holes 44 in the plates 32 below the lower edge of the plates 36. The bolt 42 includes an elongated sleeve 45 thereon orientated between the inner faces of the plates 32 so as to maintain the proper spacing between the units 28, and a nut 46, preferably in the form of an enlarged wing not so as to facilitate assembly and d-isassembly without tools, threaded on the projecting end of the bolt 42 so as to, in conjunction with the enlarged head, locks the units 28 in their erected position.

Pivotally mounted in sliding engagement with the outer surface or bottom face 24 of the section 16 is an elongated fiat bar 48, the bar 48 including a first portion projecting a relatively short distance beyond the pivot pin 50 and a second portion projecting a substantially greater distance beyond the pivot pin 50. The bar 48 is movable between a first position solely overlying the outer surface 24 of the section 16, and a second position extending transversely across the hinge 18 and having the longer portion thereof overlying the outer surface 22 of the section 14 with the forward end of this longer portion abutting against the edge of the plate 40. In this last-mentioned position, it will be appreciated that the bar 48 acts in the manner of a stop so as to prevent the pivotal movement of one section relative to the other beyond the coplanar platform formingorientation illustrated in the drawings. It will also be recognized that an appreciable bracing of the sections 14 and 16 is achieved while at the same time in no way interfering with a folding of the sections 14 and 16 upwardly relative to each other.

Affixed to the free edge 38, this edge 38 having a centrally located arcuate recess 52 therein is an elongated flexible and adjustable tree encircling strap or chain 54, this chain 54 having one end thereof fixed to the edge 38 adjacent one end of this edge 38 and the other end being releasably engaged with a laterally projecting lug -6 on the other end of the edge 38. The length of the flexible member 58 is to be adjustable so as to accommodate different diameter trees, this being accomplished, when utilizing a link chain, by selectively engaging different ones of the links with the hooked lug 56. t

The device as'described supra constitutes the tree seat and is mounted, at any desired height, by locating the recess 52 against a suitable tree and encircling the tree with the chain 54 while the :rearwardly projecting plates or panels 36 engage the tree below the platform 20. These panels 36, upon the introduction of a weight on the platform 20, will embed within the tree trunk and, in conjunction with the chain 54, provide a highly stable and stationary seat or support.

' The game carrying unit or embodiment 12 is formed by the addition of a wheel assembly 56 and a handle unit 58 to the erected unit utilized as a tree seat. The wheel assembly 56 includes and elongated axle 60 which spans and extends beyond the mounting units 28 and is received within a pair of inwardly extending notches '62 in the outer ends ofthe opposing plates 34. A wheel 64 is rotatably mounted, as by pin 66, on each end of the axle 60. A flat mounting plate 68 is rigidly welded to the axle 60 and projects laterally therefrom between the mounting units 28, this plate 68 having a rod 70 welded thereto and projecting beyond both sides thereof so as to extend in parallel relation to the axle 60. The opposite ends of this rod 70 are releasably received within the apertures 72 in the panels 34 with the rod ends being introduced into the apertures 72 as the mounting units 28 are moved from their collapsed to their erected position as suggested by the phantom lines in FIGURE 5. In this manner, it will be appreciated that, the rods 70 being received in the apertures 72, and the axle 60 being received in the notches '62, a stable mounting of the wheel assembly 56 is effected, the mounting units, of course, being locked into position by the bolt 42 and its associated elements. Finally, the wheel assembly 56 includes a bracing plate 74 fixed to the member 68 and projecting verticallythereabove for abutting engagement against the ends of the longer portion of the bar 48 so as to prevent any tendency for the sections 14 and 16 to move to their collapsed or closed position during use of the device as a carrying means.

The handle unit 58 includes two elongated portions 76 and 78 interconnected by a barrel hinge 80 positioned I on the lower or inner faces thereof. The handle portion 78 includes a stop bar 82 fixed thereto and projecting from the hinged end thereofso as to overlie the hinged end of the portion 76 when the portions 76 and 78 are aligned thereby maintaining this alignment during use of the device 12 while still allowing a simple collapsing of the handle unit. The outer or free end of the portion 78 includes a hand receiving loop 84 welded thereto. The portion 76 is, when assembled to the wheel supported platform 20, orientated transversely across the upper surfaces of the sections 14 and 16, this portion 76 including a transverse slot 86 thereacross for receiving the knuckle portions of the hinge 18. The handle portion 76 is fixed to the platform 20 both by the provision of a notched block 88 fixed to the free end thereof and receiving the rear edge 38 of the section 14 therein, and by an elongated bolt and nut combination 90 extending through an aperture 92 in the section 16 and an aperture 94 in the forwardly projecting portion of the bar 48 as well as through an aperture 96 in the handle portion 76.

When using the embodiment just described, attention being directed to FIGURE 9, the game, or for that matter any load, is positioned on the platform 20, and if necessary, also on a portion of the elongated handle unit 58, and strapped thereto, in most instances utilizing the elongated flexible chain 54. It will, of course, be appreciated that additional strap receiving apertures 98 can be provided as needed.

From the foregoing it will be appreciated that a particularly useful and highly novel hunters utility device has been defined. This device, because of the unique components incorporated therein, being capable of erection, from a completely collapsed position, so as to form either a tree seat of a highly sturdy and adaptable nature, or a wheeled game carrying device wherein the various components are in bracing engagement with each other so as to form a rugged unit enabling a removal of game from even the remotest areas in a highly simplified manner.

Incidentally, while not detailed super, various spring clips 100 may be provided on the lower faces of the platform sections 14 and 16 for retaining, for example, the bolt 42 when the device is collapsed, this being clear ly shown in FIGURES 4 and 6'.

The foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention, Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention as claimed.

What is claimed as new is as follows:

1. A collapsible hunters utility device comprising a pair of substantially equal size fiat sections hingedly interconnected along one edge for movement between a first coplanar platform forming position and a second overlapped position, each section, in the second position, having an outer surface which in the first position will constitute a portion of the bottom face of the platform, and an inner surface which in the first position will constitute a portion of the top face of the platform, a pair of spaced mounting units hingedly fixed to the outer surface of a first one of said sections, said mounting units being movable between a first collapsed position parallel to and overlying the outer surface of said first section and a second position projecting laterally outward from this outer surface generally parallel to each other, means for releasably fixing said mounting units in their second position, said mounting units each having an edge thereof, in its second position, generally in the plane of the free edge of said first section opposite from the hingedly connected edge, an elongated bar fixed to the outer surface of one of the sections and projecting therefrom into overlying relation to the outer surface of the other section when said sections are in the first coplanar position, said bar constituting a stop to prevent movement of the sections beyond their first coplanar position while allowing movement to their second overlapped position, an elongated flexible member having one end fixed to the first section adjacent one end of the free edge thereof and the other end adjustably engageable with the first section adjacent the other end of the free edge thereof, and wheel means releasably mounted on said pair of mounting units and projecting therefrom for rolling engagement with the ground, said wheel means including an elongated axle, said axle spanning and extending beyond both mounting units in their second or projecting position, said mounting units each having a recess in the outer edge thereof for receiving said axleand preventing lateral movement thereof relative to the mounting units,

a member fixed to a central portion of the axle and projecting laterally therefrom between the mounting units, an elongated rod fixed to said member and projecting from both sides thereof parallel to and spaced from the axle, each mounting unit having an aperture therethrough aligned with and receiving one end of the rod, and a wheel rotatably mounted on each end of the axle.

2. The device of claim 1 including an elongated handle fixed to and extending transversely across the top face of the platform formed by the coplanar sections, and across the hingedly interconnected edges so as to preclude a folding of the sections, said handle projecting a substantial distance beyond one edge of the platform.

3. The device of claim 2 wherein said handle includes a portion engaged over and interlocked with the edge of the platform opposite from the edge beyond which the handle projects.

4. The device of claim 3 wherein said handle includes a pair of hingedly interconnected portions so as to allow for a collapsing of the handle.

5. A collapsible hunters utility device comprising a pair of substantially equal size flat sections hingedly interconnected along one edge for movement between a first coplanar platform forming position and a second overlapped position, each section, in the second position, having an outer surface which in the first position will constitute a portion of the bottom face of the platform, and an inner surface which in the first position will constitute a portion of the top face of the platform, a pair of spaced mounting units hingedly fixed to the outer surface of a first one of said sections, said mounting units being movable between a first collapsed position parallel to and overlying the outer surface of said first section and a second position projecting laterally outward from this outer surface generally parallel to each other, means for releasably fixing said mounting units in their second position, said mounting units each having an edge thereof, in its second position, generally in the plane of the free edge of said first section opposite from the hingedly connected edge, an elongated bar fixed to the outer surface of one of the sections and projecting therefrom into overlying relation to the outer surface of the other section when said sections are in the first coplanar position, said bar constituting a stop to prevent movement of the sections beyond their first coplanar position while allowing movement to their second overlapped position, and wheel means releasably mounted on said pair of mounting units and projecting therefrom for rolling engagement with the ground, said wheel means including an elongated axle, said axle spanning and extending beyond both mounting units in their second or projecting position, said mounting units each having a recess in the outer edge thereof for receiving said axle and preventing lateral movement thereof relative to the mounting units, a member fixed to a central portion of the axle and projecting laterally therefrom between the mounting units, an elongated rod fixed to said member and projecting from both sides thereof parallel to and spaced from the axle, each mounting unit having an aperture therethrough aligned with and receiving one end of the rod, and a wheel rotatably mounted on each end of the axle.

6. A collapsible hunters utility device comprising a pair of substantially flat sections hingedly interconnected along one edge for movement between a first coplanar platform forming position and a second overlapped position, each section, in the second position, having a first surface which in the first position will constitute a portion of the bottom face of the platform, and a second surface which in the first position will constitute a portion of the top face of the platform, mounting unit means hingedly fixed to the first surface of a first one of said sections, said mounting unit means being movable between a first collapsed position parallel to and overlying the first surface of said first section and a second position projecting laterally outward from this first surface, means for releasably fixing said mounting unit means in its second position, wheel means releasably mounted on said mounting unit means and projecting therefrom for rolling engagement with the ground, and an elongated handle fixed to and extending transversely across the top face of the platform formed by the coplanar sections, and across the hingedly interconnected edges so as to preclude a folding of the sections, said handle projecting a substantial distance beyond one edge of the platform, said handle including a portion engaged over and interlocked with the edge of the platform opposite from the edge beyond which the handle projects.

7. A collapsible hunters utility device comprising a pair of substantially flat sections hingedly interconnected along one edge for movement between a first coplanar platform forming position and a second overlapped position, each section, in the second position, having a first surface which in the first position will constitute a portion of the bottom face of the platform, and a second surface which in the first position will constitute a portion of the top face of the platform, a pair of spaced mounting units hingedly fixed to the first surface of a first one of said sections, said mounting units being movable between a first collapsed position parallel to and overlying the first surface of said first section and a second position projecting laterally outward from this first surface generally parallel to each other, means for releasably fixing said mounting units in their second position, and wheel means releasably mounted on said pair of mounting units and projecting therefrom for rolling engagement with the ground, said wheel means including an elongated axle, said axle spanning and extending beyond both mounting units in their second or projecting position, said mounting units each having a recess in the outer edge thereof for receiving said axle and preventing lateral movement thereof relative to the mounting units, a member fixed to a central portion of the axle and projecting laterally therefrom between the mounting units, an elongated rod fixed to said member and projecting from both sides thereof parallel to and spaced from the axle, each mounting unit having an aperture therethrough aligned with and receiving one end of the rod, and a wheel rotatably mounted on each end of the axle.

8. A collapsible hunters utility device comprising a pair of substantially flat sections hingedly interconnected along one edge for movement between a first coplanar platform forming position and a second overlapped position, each section, in the second position, having a first surface which in the first position will constitute a portion of the bottom face of the platform, and a second surface which in the first position will constitute a portion of the top face of the platform, mounting unit means fixed to the first surface of a first one of said sections, said mounting unit means projecting laterally outward from the corresponding first surface when this first surface constitutes a portion of the bottom face of the platform, wheel means mounted on said mounting unit means and projecting therefrom for rolling engagement with the ground, and an elongated handle fixed to and extending transversely across the top face of the platform formed by the coplanar sections, and across the hingedly interconnected edges so as to preclude a folding of the sections, said handle projecting a substantial distance beyond one edge of the platform, said handle including a portion engaged over and interlocked with the edge of the platform opposite from the edge beyond which the handle projects.

9. A collapsible hunters tree seat comprising a pair of substantially flat sections hingedly interconnected along one edge for movement between a first coplanar platform forming position and a second overlapped position, each section, in the second position, having a first surface which in the first position will constitute a portion of the bottom face of the platform, and a second surface which in the first position will constitute a portion of the top face of the platform, a pair of mounting units hingedly fixed to the first surface of a first one of said sections, said mounting units being movable between a first collapsed position parallel to and overlying the first surface of said first section and a second position projecting laterally outward from the first surface, means for releasably fixing said mounting units in their second position, said mounting units, in their second position, being laterally aligned with each unit having an edge thereof located generally in the plane of the free edge of the first section opposite from the hingedly connected edge, an elongated bar, and means fixing one end of said bar to the first surface of the second of said sections for pivotal movement solely in a plane parallel to this first surface of the second section for projection of the bar therefrom into overlying relation to the first surface of the first section when said sections are in the first coplanar position, said bar constituting a stop to prevent movement of the sections beyond their first coplanar posi- References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,206,574 11/1916 Miller 182--187 1,279,620 9/1918 Washington 108-112 2,847,059 8/1959 Klins 1821 87 2,917,193 12/1959 Fike 280-47.24 X

OTHER REFERENCES German printed application, 1,153,500, August 1963, Johansson.

BENJAMIN HERSH, Primary Examiner.

M. S. SALES, J. A. PEKAR, Assistant Examiners. 

5. A COLLAPSIBLE HUNTER''S UTILITY DEVICE COMPRISING A PAIR OF SUBSTANTIALLY EQUAL SIZE FLAT SECTIONS HINGEDLY INTERCONNECTED ALONG ONE EDGE FOR MOVEMENT BETWEEN A FIRST COPLANAR PLATFORM FORMING POSITION AND A SECOND OVERLAPPED POSITION, EACH SECTION, IN THE SECOND POSITION, HAVING AN OUTER SURFACE WHICH IN THE FIRST POSITION WILL CONSITUTE A PORTION OF THE BOTTOM FACE OF THE PLATFORM, AND AN INNER SURFACE WHICH IN THE FIRST PORTION WILL CONSTITUTE A PORTION OF THE TOP FACE OF THE PLATFORM, A PAIR OF SPACED MOUNTING UNITS HINGEDLY FIXED TO THE OUTER SURFACE OF A FIRST ONE OF SAID SECTIONS, SAID MOUNTING UNITS BEING MOVABLE BETWEEN A FIRST COLLAPSED POSITION PARALLEL TO AND OVERLYING THE OUTER SURFACE OF SAID FIRST SECTION AND A SECOND POSITION PROJECTING LATERALLY OUTWARD FROM THIS OUTER SURFACE GENERALLY PARALLEL TO EACH OTHER, MEANS FOR RELEASABLY FIXING SAID MOUNTING UNITS IN THEIR SECOND POSITION, SAID MOUNTING UNITS EACH HAVING AN EDGE THEREOF, IN ITS SECOND POSITION, GENERALLY IN THE PLANE IN THE FREE EDGE OF SAID FIRST SECTION OPPOSITE FROM THE HINGEDLY CONNECTED EDGE, AN ELONGATED BAR FIXED TO THE OUTER SURFACE OF ONE OF THE SECTIONS AND PROJECTING THEREFROM INTO OVERLYING RELATION TO THE OUTER SURFACE OF THE OTHER SECTION WHEN SAID SECTIONS ARE IN THE FIRST COPLANAR POSITION, SAID BAR CONSTITUTING A STOP TO PREVENT MOVEMENT OF THE SECTIONS BEYOND THEIR FIRST COPLANAR POSITION WHILE ALLOWING MOVEMENT OT THEIR SECOND OVERLAPPED POSITION, AND WHEEL MEANS RELEASABLY MOUNTED ON SAID PAIR OF MOUNTING UNITS AND PROJECTING THEREFROM FOR ROLLING ENGAGEMENT WITH THE GROUND, SAID WHEEL MEANS INCLUDING AN ELONGATED AXLE, SAID AXLE SPANNING AND EXTENDING BEYOND BOTH MOUNTING UNITS IN THEIR SECOND OR PROJECTING POSITION, SAID MOUNTING UNITS EACH HAVING A RECESS IN THE OUTER EDGE THEREOF FOR RECEIVING SAID AXLE AND PREVENTING LATERAL MOVEMENT THEREOF RELATIVE TO THE MOUNTING UNITS, A MEMBER FIXED TO A CENTRAL PORTION OF THE AXLE AND PROJECTING LATERALLY THEREFROM BETWEEN THE MOUNTING UNITS, AN ELONGATED ROD FIXED TO SAID MEMBER AND PROJECTING FROM BOTH SIDES THEREOF PARALLEL TO AND SPACED FROM THE AXLE, EACH MOUNTING UNIT HAVING AN APERTURE THERETHROUGH ALIGNED WITH AND RECEIVING ONE END OF THE ROD, AND A WHEEL ROTATABLY MOUNTED ON EACH END OF THE AXLE. 